Decidedly Odd: Exploring the Extraordinary: A Literary Journey into Mystery, Detective Stories, and the Unusual

by Edwin Balmer, William MacHarg

Decidedly Odd, a carefully curated anthology by Edwin Balmer and William MacHarg, serves as a compelling exploration of the eccentric and the unusual through a literary lens. The collection showcases a remarkable diversity in storytelling, embracing a range from the subtly peculiar to the blatantly fantastical. Within its pages, readers encounter a variety of narrative styles, from the eerie tension of speculative fiction to the sharp clarity of detective stories, all underpinned by a shared fascination with the oddities that lurk within the human psyche and the world at large. This anthology stands out for its ability to weave disparate tales into a cohesive exploration of what it means to confront the inexplicable. The works selected challenge our perceptions, making it a significant addition to the annals of literary compilations that dare to venture into the less treaded territories of imagination and intrigue. The backgrounds of Edwin Balmer and William MacHarg, both noteworthy for their contributions to early 20th-century speculative and detective fiction, provide a fertile ground for this collection. Their collective editorial vision draws from the rich tapestries of technological innovation, societal shifts, and the evergreen human appetite for mystery and the supernatural that characterized their times. By bringing together voices that echo the cultural and literary movements of the early 1900s, this anthology becomes a portal to understanding the complexities and the allure of the odd, seen through the prism of an era that stood on the brink of the modern world. Decidedly Odd is an essential read for anyone fascinated by the confluence of the strange and the beautiful in literature. It presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the myriad ways in which stories can unfold when taken off the beaten path. This collection is a testament to the power of narrative diversity, encouraging readers to expand their literary horizons and engage in a dialogue with voices that echo across time, each adding depth and dimension to the overarching theme of the anthology. For scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, Decidedly Odd offers a doorway to rediscover the magic that happens when the ordinary is peeled back to reveal the extraordinary beneath.

27 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2021

About the author

1883-1959

Reviews

[DJ Linick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cheesy little "Project Gutenberg" single about a psychologist who basically "Sherlocks" this Russian police spy via an OP lie detector.

Silly, but a better way to pass the time than gawking at a blank wall, I suppose.